Immigration reform

WASHINGTON, D.C. (June 27, 2014) — OCA – Asian Pacific American Advocates, a national membership-driven organization of community advocates dedicated to advancing the political, social, and economic well-being of Asian Pacific Americans (APAs), urges House Leadership to move forward on immigration reform before the August recess.

One year ago, the United States Senate passed S.744, the “Border Security, Economic Opportunity, and Immigration Modernization Act,” in order to expedite the process for individuals currently waiting for visas through the family immigration system and to provide the over 11.5 million undocumented immigrants a pathway to citizenship.

“One year has gone by since the Senate passed S.744 and an immigration reform bill has yet to reach the House floor. We are disappointed by the delay in the House,” said Ken Lee, OCA Acting CEO. “Asian Pacific Americans comprise 1.3 million of the over 11 million undocumented immigrants. And over 1.8 million APA family members are waiting in the family immigration backlogs. Our communities have a long history of exclusion through US immigration policies. We understand the struggles that come with living in a country where you can never become a citizen. The House must show APAs that they have learned from past immigration mistakes like the 1882 Chinese Exclusion Act and the Asian Exclusion Act of 1924. All immigrants deserve the right to live without fear of their safety, of deportation, and of separation from their families. Congress is still in session, and they have a job to do – pass immigration reform.”

On June 11, OCA, along with the Asian Pacific American Labor Alliance, the Japanese American Citizens League, and the National Korean American Service & Education Consortium, released the preliminary 2014 National Asian American and Pacific Islander Immigration Score Card.

“Immigration reform remains a priority issue for Asian Pacific Americans. Our histories and experiences have been shaped by this issue. It is for that reason that OCA and our partners have released the preliminary 2014 National AAPI Immigration Score Card,” said Miriam Yeung, OCA Vice President of Public Affairs. “The ratings are indicative of the support that our representatives have shown our community. If they fall below 60 percent, then they are failing us. But as we move towards the August recess, our congressional officials can show our communities that they support us by passing immigration reform legislation and/or making public statements in support of a pathway to citizenship, family reunification, and due process for all immigrants.”